Non-resistive contact electrical systems and methods for visualizing the structure and function of objects or systems

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems for sensing properties of an object or entity utilize non-resistive contact sensors alone or in combination with other sensors. The sensor data is utilized for detecting and visualizing properties of one or more biological or non-biological objects or entities.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a U.S. nonprovisional patent application of,and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to, U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 61/602,050, filed Feb. 22, 2012, which provisionalpatent application is hereby incorporated herein by reference. Thepresent application also hereby incorporates herein by reference theentire disclosure of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/527,862.

COPYRIGHT STATEMENT

All of the material in this patent document is subject to copyrightprotection under the copyright laws of the United States and othercountries. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimilereproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure,as it appears in official governmental records but, otherwise, all othercopyright rights whatsoever are reserved.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Data reconstruction and visualization is increasingly being used as amethod to assist in the communication and analysis of complex data sets.It has been effectively used in conveying structural and functional datawith good examples being magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) andcomputerized tomography (CT). Such an approach, however, has not beeneffectively developed and utilized for representation ofelectrophysiological data, both alone, and, in particular, incombination with other data types.

For example, many conventional systems recording physiologicalelectrical activity rely on conductive contact and hence active draw ofcurrent, which can be disadvantageous. Such a system may employresistive contact sensors that require electrical contact with a surfacefor effective transduction of the biological surface potential into anelectronic format. However, due to the resistive contact the signal isdrawn away from the source making signal reconstruction difficult. Forexample, resistive contact electrodes draw current away from a source,thus corrupting the signal, making reconstruction more technicallychallenging. Thus, such an approach can corrupt a measured signal,especially for other sensors in close proximity. Also, resistive contactsensors in close proximity can short out. Resistive contact sensorsignals are also vulnerable to alteration in the conducting mediumbetween the sensor and the entity being measured. A working example ofthis would be dilution of a silver chloride conducting gel by sweat.This can significantly limit the ability of active conducting sensors tobe used as a data source for accurate reconstructions of electricalactivity. Further, in emergency situations or when a surface iscompromised, this approach can make it difficult to efficiently get aclear signal

Notably, conventional devices considered to be the gold standard inmedical diagnostic electrophysiology, the electrocardiogram (EKG), theelectromyogram (EMG) and the electroencephalogram (EEG), can suffer fromsuch disadvantages, especially when it is desirable to use non-adhesiveelectrodes.

Accordingly, a need exists for improvement in medical diagnosticelectrophysiology. More broadly, needs exist for systems and methods fordetecting properties of biological and non-biological entities. These,and other needs, are addressed by one or more aspects of the presentinvention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes many aspects and features. Moreover,while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in one ormore specific contexts, the present invention is not limited to use onlyin such described contexts, as will become apparent from the followingsummaries and detailed descriptions of aspects, features, and one ormore embodiments of the present invention.

For example, an exemplary aspect relates to methods by whichnon-resistive contact sensors are used exclusively or in combinationwith other sensors and the sensor data is utilized for detectingproperties of one or more biological or non-biological entities.

Another aspect relates to a method comprising positioning a plurality ofnon-resistive contact electric field sensors at an entity, each of theplurality of non-resistive contact electric field sensors beingpositioned proximate a different particular generally predeterminedlocation; repeatedly measuring, utilizing the plurality of non-resistivecontact electric field sensors, an electrical potential associated withtwo or more sections of a structure of the entity; and generating,utilizing data obtained from the repeated measuring, a visualization ofthe structure of the entity, the visualization including a depiction ofeach of the two or more sections of the structure.

Another aspect relates to a method comprising positioning a plurality ofnon-resistive contact sensors at an entity, each of the plurality ofnon-resistive contact sensors being positioned proximate a differentparticular generally predetermined location; repeatedly measuring,utilizing the plurality of non-resistive contact sensors, a magneticpotential associated with two or more sections of a structure of theentity; and generating, utilizing data obtained from the repeatedmeasuring, a visualization of the structure of the entity, thevisualization including a depiction of each of the two or more sectionsof the structure.

Another aspect relates to a method comprising positioning a plurality ofnon-resistive contact electric field sensors at an entity, each of theplurality of non-resistive contact electric field sensors beingpositioned proximate a different particular generally predeterminedlocation; repeatedly measuring, utilizing the plurality of non-resistivecontact electric field sensors, an electrical potential associated withtwo or more sections of a structure of the entity; electronicallycomparing data obtained from the repeated measuring to data associatedwith typical measurements of the structure for other entities; andgenerating, utilizing data obtained from the repeated measuring, avisualization of the structure of the entity, the visualizationincluding a depiction of each of the two or more sections of thestructure, together with a visualization of a typical structuregenerated based on the data associated with typical measurements of thestructure for other entities.

Another aspect relates to a method comprising positioning a plurality ofnon-resistive contact electric field sensors at an entity, each of theplurality of non-resistive contact electric field sensors beingpositioned proximate a different particular generally predeterminedlocation; repeatedly measuring, utilizing the plurality of non-resistivecontact electric field sensors, an electrical potential associated withtwo or more sections of a structure of the entity; and generating,utilizing data obtained from the repeated measuring, a visualization ofthe structure of the entity, the visualization including a depiction ofeach of the two or more sections of the structure, together with avisualization of a typical structure generated based on data associatedwith typical measurements of the structure for other entities.

Another aspect relates to a method comprising positioning a plurality ofnon-resistive contact electric field sensors at an entity, each of theplurality of non-resistive contact electric field sensors beingpositioned proximate a different particular generally predeterminedlocation; continually measuring, utilizing the plurality ofnon-resistive contact electric field sensors, an electrical potentialassociated with two or more sections of a structure of the entity;accessing data related to past measurements, utilizing non-resistivecontact electric field sensors, of the structure of the entity; andgenerating, utilizing data obtained from the continual measuring, avisualization of the structure of the entity, the visualizationincluding a depiction of each of the two or more sections of thestructure, together with a visualization of a typical condition of thestructure generated based on the accessed data related to pastmeasurements of the structure of the entity.

Another aspect relates to a method comprising positioning a plurality ofnon-resistive contact electric field sensors at a first entity, each ofthe plurality of non-resistive contact electric field sensors beingpositioned proximate a different particular location; repeatedlymeasuring, utilizing the plurality of non-resistive contact electricfield sensors, an electrical potential associated with two or moresections of an electrically active structure of the first entity;accessing, from a database, data corresponding to measurements of anelectrically active structure, which is of the same type as theelectrically active structure of the first entity, for a plurality ofother entities, the measurements having been taken utilizingnon-resistive contact electric field sensors; electronicallydetermining, by comparing data obtained from the repeated measuring tothe accessed data, a property of the electrically active structure ofthe first entity; and generating, utilizing data obtained from therepeated measuring, a visualization of the electrically active structureof the first entity, the visualization including a depiction of each ofthe two or more sections of the an electrically active structure,together with a visualization of a “normal” electrically activestructure generated based on the accessed data corresponding tomeasurements of electrically active structures for a plurality of otherentities.

In a feature of this aspect, electronically determining, by comparingdata obtained from the repeated measuring to the accessed data, aproperty of the structure of the first entity comprises electronicallydetermining, by comparing data obtained from the repeated measuring tothe accessed data, an atypical property of the structure of the firstentity. In at least some implementations, electronically determining, bycomparing data obtained from the repeated measuring to the accesseddata, an atypical property of the structure of the first entitycomprises electronically determining that the structure of the firstentity is smaller than a “normal” structure. In at least someimplementations, electronically determining, by comparing data obtainedfrom the repeated measuring to the accessed data, an atypical propertyof the structure of the first entity comprises electronicallydetermining that the structure of the first entity is larger than a“normal” structure. In at least some implementations, electronicallydetermining, by comparing data obtained from the repeated measuring tothe accessed data, an atypical property of the structure of the firstentity comprises electronically determining that the structure of thefirst entity is damaged. In at least some implementations,electronically determining, by comparing data obtained from the repeatedmeasuring to the accessed data, an atypical property of the structure ofthe first entity comprises electronically determining that one or moreof the two or more sections of the structure of the first entity isdamaged.

In a feature of this aspect, electronically determining, by comparingdata obtained from the repeated measuring to the accessed data, aproperty of the structure of the first entity comprises electronicallydetermining that voltage measurements of the structure of the firstentity are lower than typical voltage measurements from the accesseddata. In at least some implementations, the determination that voltagemeasurements of the structure of the first entity are lower than typicalvoltage measurements from the accessed data is utilized to ascertainthat the electrically active structure of the first entity is smallerthan a “normal” electrically active structure.

In a feature of this aspect, electronically determining, by comparingdata obtained from the repeated measuring to the accessed data, aproperty of the structure of the first entity comprises electronicallydetermining that voltage measurements of the structure of the firstentity are higher than typical voltage measurements from the accesseddata. In at least some implementations, the determination that voltagemeasurements of the structure of the first entity are lower than typicalvoltage measurements from the accessed data is utilized to ascertainthat the electrically active structure of the first entity is largerthan a “normal” electrically active structure.

In a feature of this aspect, electronically determining, by comparingdata obtained from the repeated measuring to the accessed data, aproperty of the structure of the first entity comprises electronicallydetermining, by comparing data obtained from the repeated measuring tothe accessed data, that the electrically active structure of the firstentity has an atypical shape.

In a feature of this aspect, electronically determining, by comparingdata obtained from the repeated measuring to the accessed data, aproperty of the structure of the first entity comprises electronicallydetermining, by comparing data obtained from the repeated measuring tothe accessed data, that one or more or of the two or more sections ofthe electrically active structure of the first entity has an atypicalshape.

In a feature of this aspect, electronically determining, by comparingdata obtained from the repeated measuring to the accessed data, aproperty of the structure of the first entity comprises electronicallydetermining, by comparing data obtained from the repeated measuring tothe accessed data, that the electrically active structure of the firstentity has a greater area of electrically active substance in one ormore of the two or more sections of the electrically active structure ofthe first entity.

In a feature of this aspect, electronically determining, by comparingdata obtained from the repeated measuring to the accessed data, aproperty of the structure of the first entity comprises electronicallydetermining, by comparing data obtained from the repeated measuring tothe accessed data, that the electrically active structure of the firstentity has a greater volume of electrically active substance in one ormore of the two or more sections of the electrically active structure ofthe first entity.

In a feature of this aspect, electronically determining, by comparingdata obtained from the repeated measuring to the accessed data, aproperty of the structure of the first entity comprises electronicallydetermining, by comparing data obtained from the repeated measuring tothe accessed data, that the electrically active structure of the firstentity, as compared to a “normal” electrically active structure, has agreater area of electrically active substance in one or more of the twoor more sections of the electrically active structure of the firstentity.

In a feature of this aspect, electronically determining, by comparingdata obtained from the repeated measuring to the accessed data, aproperty of the structure of the first entity comprises electronicallydetermining, by comparing data obtained from the repeated measuring tothe accessed data, that the electrically active structure of the firstentity, as compared to a “normal” electrically active structure, has agreater volume of electrically active substance in one or more of thetwo or more sections of the electrically active structure of the firstentity. In at least some implementations, the electrically activesubstance comprises tissue.

In a feature of this aspect, repeatedly measuring, utilizing theplurality of non-resistive contact electric field sensors, an electricalpotential associated with two or more sections of an electrically activestructure of the first entity comprises determining three dimensionalelectrical vectors associated therewith.

In a feature of this aspect, the first entity comprises a livingorganism.

In a feature of this aspect, the first entity comprises an animal.

In a feature of this aspect, the first entity comprises a human.

In a feature of this aspect, the plurality of non-resistive contactelectric field sensors comprises at least six non-resistive contactelectric field sensors.

In a feature of this aspect, the plurality of non-resistive contactelectric field sensors comprises at least ten non-resistive contactelectric field sensors.

In a feature of this aspect, the number of non-resistive contactelectric field sensors utilized is selected based on a desiredresolution of spatial information.

In a feature of this aspect, the method includes selecting a number ofnon-resistive contact electric field sensors to utilize based on adesired resolution of spatial information.

In a feature of this aspect, in positioning a plurality of non-resistivecontact electric field sensors at a first entity, each of the pluralityof non-resistive contact electric field sensors is positioned proximatea different generally predetermined particular location.

In at least some implementations, positioning a plurality ofnon-resistive contact electric field sensors at a first entity comprisespositioning each of the plurality of non-resistive contact electricfield sensors at a location proximate a predetermined portion of a bodyof a person.

In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes a step ofutilizing one or more additional sensors to inform placement of theplurality of non-resistive contact electric field sensors.

In a feature of this aspect, wherein the method further includes a stepof utilizing an ultrasound probe to inform placement of the plurality ofnon-resistive contact electric field sensors.

In a feature of this aspect, one or more of the non-resistive contactelectric field sensors is enveloped in a biocompatible sleeve.

In a feature of this aspect, one or more of the non-resistive contactelectric field sensors is enveloped in a disposable biocompatiblesleeve.

In a feature of this aspect, the non-resistive contact electric fieldsensors are arranged as an array.

In a feature of this aspect, one of the non-resistive contact electricfield sensors comprises a signal transduction component.

In a feature of this aspect, the one of the non-resistive contactelectric field sensors is implanted or temporarily placed within thefirst entity with a membrane or structure separating the signaltransduction component of the from the substance of the entity.

In a feature of this aspect, the electrically active structure comprisesa heart.

In a feature of this aspect, the electrically active structure comprisesa brain.

In a feature of this aspect, the electrically active structure comprisesan organ.

In a feature of this aspect, the first entity comprises an inanimateobject.

Another aspect relates to a method comprising positioning a plurality ofnon-resistive contact electric field sensors at an entity, each of theplurality of non-resistive contact electric field sensors beingpositioned proximate a different particular generally predeterminedlocation; repeatedly measuring, utilizing the plurality of non-resistivecontact electric field sensors, an electrical potential associated withtwo or more sections of an electrically active structure of the entity;accessing, from a database, data corresponding to past measurements ofthe electrically active structure taken utilizing non-resistive contactelectric field sensors; electronically determining, by comparing dataobtained from the repeated measuring to the accessed data, a currentproperty of the electrically active structure of the entity; andgenerating, utilizing data obtained from the repeated measuring, avisualization of the electrically active structure of the entity, thevisualization including a depiction of each of the two or more sectionsof the electrically active structure, together with a visualization of atypical state of the electrically active structure generated based onthe accessed data.

Another aspect relates to a method comprising positioning one or morenon-resistive contact electric field sensors proximate an entity;repeatedly measuring, utilizing the one or more non-resistive contactelectric field sensors, an electrical potential associated with astructure of the entity; and generating, utilizing data obtained fromthe repeated measuring, a visualization of the entity.

In a feature of this aspect, the method includes using one or moreproperties of a sensor signal to inform on the position of the structureof the entity.

In a feature of this aspect, the method includes using one or moreproperties of a sensor signal to inform on the shape of the structure ofthe entity.

In a feature of this aspect, the method includes using one or moreproperties of a sensor signal to inform on the size of the structure ofthe entity.

In a feature of this aspect, the method includes using the amplitude ofa sensor signal to inform on the position of the structure of theentity.

In a feature of this aspect, the method includes using the strength of asensor signal to inform on the position of the structure of the entity.

In a feature of this aspect, the method comprises repeatedlyrepositioning the one or more non-resistive contact electric fieldsensors proximate the entity and determining a location of the structureof the entity based on progressive decay with distance from the source.

In a feature of this aspect, the method comprises isolating differentwaveforms by performing frequency analysis.

In a feature of this aspect, the method comprises applying bandwidthfilters.

In a feature of this aspect, the structure of the entity comprises abrain, and the method comprises determining the relative power ofdifferent frequencies of brain voltage/time relations.

In a feature of this aspect, the method comprises utilizing known pathinformation to inform on the structure or function of the structure ofthe entity.

In a feature of this aspect, the entity is an organ, and wherein themethod comprises utilizing known path information to inform on thestructure or function of the organ.

In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes utilizingexternal stimulus, and synchronizing the sensors with the externalstimulus.

In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes utilizingexternal stimulus, and synchronizing the sensors with the externalstimulus, repeatedly measuring the response to the external stimulus,and averaging measurement results to remove random noise.

In a feature of this aspect, the method includes one or more otherinterrogation modalities to inform, target, calibrate, and validate theelectric field visualization.

In a feature of this aspect, other scanning modalities are utilized toidentify electrical firing patterns.

In a feature of this aspect, functional magnetic resonance imaging(fMRI) is utilized to identify electrical firing patterns.

In a feature of this aspect, spectroscopy is utilized to identifyelectrical firing patterns.

In a feature of this aspect, the method includes repositioning at leastone of the one or more sensors based on information obtained utilizingan imaging methodology.

In a feature of this aspect, sensor findings are verified utilizingultrasound when visualizing the structure of the entity.

In a feature of this aspect, sensor findings are verified utilizingX-ray when visualizing the structure of the entity.

In a feature of this aspect, sensor findings are tuned utilizingultrasound when visualizing the structure of the entity.

In a feature of this aspect, sensor findings are tuned utilizing X-raywhen visualizing the structure of the entity.

In a feature of this aspect, the structure of the entity comprises aheart, and sensor findings are validated using another sensing modality.

In a feature of this aspect, the structure of the entity comprises abrain, and sensor findings are validated using another sensing modality.

In a feature of this aspect, the structure of the entity comprises oneor more lungs, and sensor findings are validated using another sensingmodality.

In a feature of this aspect, the structure of the entity comprises agastrointestinal tract, and sensor findings are validated using anothersensing modality.

In a feature of this aspect, the structure of the entity comprises oneor more blood vessels, and sensor findings are validated using anothersensing modality.

In a feature of this aspect, the method comprises detecting movementutilizing one or more accelerometers incorporated within or close to atleast one of the one or more sensors.

In a feature of this aspect, the structure of the entity is a brain, andthe method comprises utilizing Fourier analysis to separate differentbrain waves.

In a feature of this aspect, the structure of the entity is a brain, andthe brain is visualized by assigning a different color to each of aplurality of different types of brain waves.

Another aspect relates to a method comprising positioning one or morenon-resistive contact electric field sensors proximate an entity;repeatedly measuring, utilizing the one or more non-resistive contactelectric field sensors, an electrical potential associated with astructure of the entity; and generating a visualization depictingstructure or functionality of the structure of the entity based on dataobtained from the repeated measuring.

In a feature of this aspect, the structure of the entity is a brain, andwherein the visualization includes a display of auras corresponding todifferent brain wave measurements, the thickness of each aura being inproportion to the amplitude of the type of wave it is associated with.

In a feature of this aspect, the structure of the entity is a brain, andin the visualization brain waves are represented as a set of simplesinusoidal waves with appropriate periods.

In a feature of this aspect, the structure of the entity comprises oneor more lungs.

In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes utilizing oneor more additional sensors of a different type.

In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes utilizing oneor more additional non-perturbative sensors.

In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes utilizing oneor more additional perturbative sensors.

In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes utilizing oneor more sonar sensors.

In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes utilizing oneor more sonar sensors for interrogation of the physical structure,shape, or form of the structure of the entity.

In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes utilizing oneor more sonar sensors for interrogation of the physical structure,shape, or form of the structure of the entity by passive methods.

In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes utilizing oneor more sonar sensors for interrogation of the physical structure,shape, or form of the structure of the entity by active methods.

In a feature of this aspect, one or more sonar sensors are utilized tolocate and determine the characteristics of the structure of the entity.

In a feature of this aspect, one or more sonar sensors are utilized toinform the positioning of the one or more non-resistive contact electricfield sensors.

In a feature of this aspect, one or more sonar sensors are utilized toinform on physical shape and distance and the one or more electric fieldsensors are utilized to inform on electric or magnetic characteristicsand distance, and data from both types of sensors is utilized forcross-validation.

In a feature of this aspect, one or more sonar sensors are utilized toinform on physical shape and distance and the one or more electric fieldsensors are utilized to inform on electric or magnetic characteristicsand distance, and data from both types of sensors is utilized foreffective structural and functional imaging reconstruction.

In a feature of this aspect, the generated visualization includes anoverlay generated based on data obtained from one or more sonar sensors.

In a feature of this aspect, one or more sonar sensors are utilized toascertain fluid flow within the entity.

In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes utilizing oneor more magnetometers.

In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes utilizing oneor more magnetometers, data from the one or more magnetometers beingutilized in combination with data from the one or more electric fieldsensors to generate the visualization.

In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes utilizing oneor more cameras.

In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes utilizing oneor more cameras, data from the one or more cameras being utilized incombination with data from the one or more electric field sensors togenerate the visualization.

In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes utilizing oneor more thermometers.

In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes utilizing oneor more thermometers, data from the one or more thermometers beingutilized in combination with data from the one or more electric fieldsensors to generate the visualization.

In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes utilizing oneor more hydrometers.

In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes utilizing oneor more hydrometers, data from the one or more hydrometers beingutilized in combination with data from the one or more electric fieldsensors to generate the visualization.

In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes utilizing x-raydata.

In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes utilizing x-raydata in combination with data from the one or more electric fieldsensors to generate the visualization.

In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes utilizingcomputerized tomography processes.

In a feature of this aspect, computerized tomography processes areutilized in combination with data from the one or more electric fieldsensors to generate the visualization.

In a feature of this aspect, the method includes utilizing one or moreelectrometers.

In a feature of this aspect, impedance tomography data is utilized ingenerating the visualization.

In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes utilizing radardata.

In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes utilizing radardata in combination with data from the one or more electric fieldsensors to generate the visualization.

In a feature of this aspect, a visualization based on magnetic resonancesignal data is overlaid over a visualization based on electric fieldsensor data.

In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes utilizing datafrom resistive contact electrometers in combination with data from theone or more electric field sensors to generate the visualization.

In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes utilizing datafrom a nuclear medical scanner in combination with data from the one ormore electric field sensors to generate the visualization.

In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes utilizingspectroscopy data in combination with data from the one or more electricfield sensors to generate the visualization.

In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes utilizingangiography data in combination with data from the one or more electricfield sensors to generate the visualization.

In a feature of this aspect, the method further includes utilizingfluoroscopy data in combination with data from the one or more electricfield sensors to generate the visualization.

Another aspect relates to a method comprising positioning one or morenon-resistive contact electric field sensors proximate an entity;repeatedly measuring, utilizing the one or more non-resistive contactelectric field sensors, an electrical potential associated with a firststructure of the entity; obtaining, utilizing one or more additionalsensors, data related to a second structure of the entity; generating avisualization depicting structure or functionality of one or morestructures of the entity based on data obtained from the repeatedmeasuring using the electric field sensors and based on data obtainedutilizing the one or more additional sensors.

In a feature of this aspect, the first structure is associated with afirst system of the entity and the second structure is associated with asecond system of the entity.

Another aspect relates to a method comprising positioning one or morenon-resistive contact electric field sensors proximate an entity;repeatedly measuring, utilizing the one or more non-resistive contactelectric field sensors, an electrical potential associated with a firststructure of the entity; obtaining, utilizing one or more additionalsensors, data related to a plurality of other structures of the entity;and generating a visualization depicting structure or functionality of aplurality of systems of the entity based on data obtained from therepeated measuring using the electric field sensors and based on dataobtained utilizing the one or more additional sensors.

In a feature of this aspect, the visualization depicts the entity'sheart, respiratory system, and brain, as well as skeletal muscle of theentity.

Another aspect relates to a method comprising positioning one or morenon-resistive contact electric field sensors proximate an entity;repeatedly measuring, utilizing the one or more non-resistive contactelectric field sensors, an electrical potential associated with acomponent of the entity; tracking the movement of a component of theentity by analyzing the change in electric field as it runs through theanatomical structure of the component; and generating a visualizationdepicting movement of the component based on the analysis of the changein electric field as it runs through the anatomical structure of thecomponent.

Another aspect relates to a method comprising positioning a plurality ofnon-resistive contact electric field sensors proximate an entity, eachsensor being positioned proximate a respective region of the entity andbeing referenced to that region; repeatedly measuring, utilizing the oneor more non-resistive contact electric field sensors, an electricalpotential associated with the entity; and generating, utilizing dataobtained from the repeated measuring, a visualization of the entity, thevisualization including a depiction of the regions of the entity.

Another aspect relates to a method comprising repeatedly measuring,utilizing one or more moving non-resistive contact electric fieldsensors engaged in a mobile scanning mode, an electrical potentialassociated with a structure of an entity; and generating, utilizing dataobtained from the repeated measuring, a visualization of the structureof the entity.

In a feature of this aspect, the structure of the entity includes two orsections, and wherein the generated visualization depicts the two ormore sections.

In a feature of this aspect, the visualization utilizes fixed shapes.

In a feature of this aspect, the visualization utilizes variable shapes.

In a feature of this aspect, the visualization utilizes colors.

In a feature of this aspect, the visualization utilizes two-dimensionaldisplays.

In a feature of this aspect, the visualization utilizes threedimensional displays.

In a feature of this aspect, the visualization utilizes sound.

In a feature of this aspect, the visualization is static.

In a feature of this aspect, the visualization is dynamic.

In a feature of this aspect, the visualization utilizes texture.

In a feature of this aspect, the visualization utilizes heat.

In a feature of this aspect, the visualization utilizes holograms.

In a feature of this aspect, the visualization comprises video.

Another aspect relates to a method comprising repeatedly measuring,utilizing one or more non-resistive contact electric field sensors, ageoelectric displacement signature of a moving entity; and generating,utilizing data obtained from the repeated measuring, a visualization ofthe entity.

Another aspect relates to a method comprising repeatedly measuring,utilizing one or more moving non-resistive contact electric fieldsensors, a geoelectric displacement signature of an entity; andgenerating, utilizing data obtained from the repeated measuring, avisualization of the entity.

Another aspect relates to a method comprising positioning one or morenon-resistive contact electric field sensors proximate an entity;repeatedly measuring, utilizing the one or more non-resistive contactelectric field sensors, an electrical potential associated with astructure of the entity; and generating a visualization depictingstructure or functionality of the structure of the entity based on dataobtained from the repeated measuring; wherein the visualizationcomprises a three dimensional visualization.

Another aspect relates to a system configured for performance of adisclosed method.

Another aspect relates to a system comprising a plurality ofnon-resistive contact electric field sensors arranged at an entity, eachof the plurality of non-resistive contact electric field sensors beingpositioned proximate a different particular generally predeterminedlocation; wherein the system is configured to repeatedly measure,utilizing the plurality of non-resistive contact electric field sensors,an electrical potential associated with a structure of the entity, andgenerate, utilizing data obtained from the repeated measuring, avisualization of the structure of the entity.

Another aspect relates to a system comprising a plurality ofnon-resistive contact electric field sensors arranged at an entity, eachof the plurality of non-resistive contact electric field sensors beingpositioned proximate a different particular generally predeterminedlocation; one or more computer readable media containing computerexecutable instructions configured to repeatedly measure, utilizing theplurality of non-resistive contact electric field sensors, an electricalpotential associated with two or more sections of a structure of theentity, and generate, utilizing data obtained from the repeatedmeasuring, a visualization of the structure of the entity, thevisualization including a depiction of each of the two or more sectionsof the structure.

Another aspect relates to a system comprising a plurality ofnon-resistive contact electric field sensors arranged at an entity, eachof the plurality of non-resistive contact electric field sensors beingpositioned proximate a different particular generally predeterminedlocation; wherein the system is configured to repeatedly measure,utilizing the plurality of non-resistive contact electric field sensors,an electrical potential associated with two or more sections of astructure of the entity, and generate, utilizing data obtained from therepeated measuring, a visualization of the structure of the entity, thevisualization including a depiction of each of the two or more sectionsof the structure.

Another aspect relates to a system comprising a plurality ofnon-resistive contact electric field sensors arranged at an entity, eachof the plurality of non-resistive contact electric field sensors beingpositioned proximate a different particular generally predeterminedlocation; one or more additional sensors; wherein the system isconfigured to repeatedly measure, utilizing the plurality ofnon-resistive contact electric field sensors, an electrical potentialassociated with a structure of the entity, and generate, utilizing dataobtained from the repeated measuring and data obtained from the one ormore additional sensors, a visualization of at least a portion of theentity.

In a feature of this aspect, the one or more additional sensors comprisea sonar sensor.

In a feature of this aspect, the one or more additional sensors comprisean electrometer.

In a feature of this aspect, the one or more additional sensors comprisea magnetometer.

In a feature of this aspect, the one or more additional sensors comprisea camera.

In a feature of this aspect, the one or more additional sensors comprisea thermometer.

In a feature of this aspect, the one or more additional sensors comprisea hydrometer.

In a feature of this aspect, the one or more additional sensors comprisea resistive contact electrometer.

In addition to the herein described aspects and features of the presentinvention, it should be noted that the present invention additionallyencompasses the various possible combinations and subcombinations ofsuch aspects and features. Thus, for example, any described aspect maybe combined with any described feature in accordance with the presentinvention without requiring any other aspect or feature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more preferred embodiments of the present invention now will bedescribed in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, whereinthe same elements are referred to with the same reference numerals, andwherein:

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary electrically activestructure;

FIGS. 2A-D schematically illustrate electric current flow through theelectrically active structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a line graph depicting an active electric fieldproduced by an electric current over time;

FIG. 4 illustrates a visualization of the electrically active structureof FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 schematically illustrates another exemplary electrically activestructure;

FIGS. 6A-D schematically illustrate electric current flow through theelectrically active structure of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 illustrates a line graph depicting an active electric fieldproduced by an electric current over time;

FIG. 8 illustrates a visualization of the electrically active structureof FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 schematically illustrates another exemplary electrically activestructure;

FIGS. 10A-D schematically illustrate electric current flow through theelectrically active structure of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 illustrates a line graph depicting an active electric fieldproduced by an electric current over time;

FIG. 12 illustrates a visualization of the electrically active structureof FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 schematically illustrates another exemplary electrically activestructure;

FIGS. 14A-D schematically illustrate electric current flow through theelectrically active structure of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 illustrates a line graph depicting an active electric fieldproduced by an electric current over time;

FIG. 16 illustrates a visualization of the electrically active structureof FIG. 13;

FIG. 17 schematically illustrates another exemplary electrically activestructure;

FIGS. 18A-D schematically illustrate electric current flow through theelectrically active structure of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 illustrates a line graph depicting an active electric fieldproduced by an electric current over time;

FIG. 20 illustrates a visualization of the electrically active structureof FIG. 17;

FIGS. 21A-B illustrate an exemplary graphical representation of athree-dimension electric field reconstruction over time (a fourthdimension);

FIG. 22 illustrates a classic lead II cardiac electrical signature; and

FIG. 23 illustrates a representation of a gamma wave measured over 1second.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one havingordinary skill in the relevant art (“Ordinary Artisan”) that the presentinvention has broad utility and application. As should be understood,any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of theabove-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporateonly one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Furthermore,any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” isconsidered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out thepresent invention. Other embodiments also may be discussed foradditional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enablingdisclosure of the present invention. As should be understood, anyembodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of theabove-disclosed aspects of the invention and may further incorporateonly one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Moreover, manyembodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, andequivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodimentsdescribed herein and fall within the scope of the present invention.

Accordingly, while the present invention is described herein in detailin relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that thisdisclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present invention, andis made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enablingdisclosure of the present invention. The detailed disclosure herein ofone or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, tolimit the scope of patent protection afforded the present invention,which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof.It is not intended that the scope of patent protection afforded thepresent invention be defined by reading into any claim a limitationfound herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps ofvarious processes or methods that are described herein are illustrativeand not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, althoughsteps of various processes or methods may be shown and described asbeing in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processesor methods are not limited to being carried out in any particularsequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps insuch processes or methods generally may be carried out in variousdifferent sequences and orders while still falling within the scope ofthe present invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope ofpatent protection afforded the present invention is to be defined by theappended claims rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refersto that which the Ordinary Artisan would understand such term to meanbased on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that themeaning of a term used herein—as understood by the Ordinary Artisanbased on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from anyparticular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that themeaning of the term as understood by the Ordinary Artisan shouldprevail.

Regarding applicability of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6, no claim element isintended to be read in accordance with this statutory provision unlessthe explicit phrase “means for” or “step for” is actually used in suchclaim element, whereupon this statutory provision is intended to applyin the interpretation of such claim element.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an”each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a pluralityunless the contextual use dictates otherwise. Thus, reference to “apicnic basket having an apple” describes “a picnic basket having atleast one apple” as well as “a picnic basket having apples.” Incontrast, reference to “a picnic basket having a single apple” describes“a picnic basket having only one apple.”

When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one ofthe items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Thus,reference to “a picnic basket having cheese or crackers” describes “apicnic basket having cheese without crackers”, “a picnic basket havingcrackers without cheese”, and “a picnic basket having both cheese andcrackers.” Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and”denotes “all of the items of the list.” Thus, reference to “a picnicbasket having cheese and crackers” describes “a picnic basket havingcheese, wherein the picnic basket further has crackers,” as well asdescribes “a picnic basket having crackers, wherein the picnic basketfurther has cheese.”

Referring now to the drawings, one or more preferred embodiments of thepresent invention are next described. The following description of oneor more preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in noway intended to limit the invention, its implementations, or uses.

One or more preferred implementations relate to methods by whichnon-resistive contact sensors are used exclusively or in combinationwith other sensors and the sensor data is utilized for detectingproperties of one or more biological or non-biological entities.

In some preferred implementations intended for use with biologicalentities, a method utilizes an electric field sensor or sensors for themeasurement of the structural and functional characteristics of organsand other structures where the electric field sensor does not haveresistive contact with the organism, conferring multiple advantages.More particularly, one or more preferred implementations relate tosensors and sensor systems including devices and installations forassemblies for detecting structural and functional signatures associatedwith electric potentials that may also detect a displacement signaturewithin the geoelectric field, and/or specific components and/orstructures that are a component of that entity or entities. Specificallythere is no resistive contact between the entity and the signaltransduction component of the electric field sensor or sensors. Othersensor types may be added in to provide further information such as forthe identification of that entity or for further interrogation orvalidation of the structure and function of that entity.

One or more preferred implementations relate to a novel monitoringtechnology using an electric field sensor or sensors that does not haveresistive contact with an entity, such as, for example, an organism,being monitored. For example, in one or more preferred implementations,limitations of conventional diagnostic systems can be obviated throughthe implementation of non-conductive passive electric field sensors.Additionally, in combination with other sensor types, there is theopportunity to create highly advanced imaging systems.

The lack of resistive contact allows the electric potentials associatedwith the organs to be measured without drawing current away from theentity. Furthermore, the lack of resistive contact allows thegeoelectric displacement signature of the entity to be measured ifeither the entity or the sensor or sensors are moving.

In preferred implementations, an electric field sensor enablesinterrogation of the electric and/or magnetic potential associated withstructures or the physical displacement of the geo-electric field by anentity. The electric potential sensor signal transduction has noresistive contact with the entity.

In one or more preferred implementations, an electric potential sensorincluding a signal transduction component is implanted or temporarilyplaced within an entity with a membrane or structure separating thesignal transduction component of the sensor (and possibly the entiresensor) from the substance of the entity.

One or more preferred implementations relate to a transfer solutionwhere what is happening electrically in real physical space is detectedby electrical field sensors in sensor space that is then transposed intoan image or set of images in visualization space.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary electrically activestructure 10 in real physical space. Although the electrically activestructure 10 is just a schematic illustration, in one or more preferredimplementations such electrically active structure 10 might represent ahuman heart or other biological structure. The electrically activestructure includes components 11,12,13,14,15,16.

This electrically active structure 10 lies in a containing structure 20,which is schematically illustrated in FIG. 1 as a cylinder. Returning toexemplary implementations in which the electrically active structure 10represents a human heart, such containing structure 20 might represent ahuman torso, or thorax. The containing structure 20 allows electricfield transmission that is detected by four non-resistive contactelectrodes 31,32,33,34 (although it will be appreciated that four ismerely an exemplary number).

In a preferred methodology, the non-resistive contact electrodes31,32,33,34 are placed relative to landmarks on the containing structure20 in a manner designed to keep the spatial relations of thenon-resistive contact electrodes 31,32,33,34 constant among differentcontaining structures of that type, e.g. among different torsos. In anexemplary preferred torso implementation, non-resistive contactelectrode 31 might be placed proximate the sternal notch, non-resistivecontact electrode 32 might be placed proximate the third rib at theanterior axillary line on the left, non-resistive contact electrode 33might be placed proximate the xiphoid process, and non-resistive contactelectrode 34 might be placed proximate the seventh rib at the anterioraxillary line on the left.

In this preferred implementation, an electrical current flows througheach of the components 11,12,13,14,15,16 of the electrically activestructure 10 and cycles through at various time points. This electricalcurrent flow is illustrated in FIGS. 2A-D by arrows. Each of the figuresschematically illustrates exemplary electrical flow from a first timepoint t1 to a next time point t2. FIG. 2A schematically illustratesexemplary electrical flow from time t=i to time t=ii; FIG. 2Bschematically illustrates exemplary electrical flow from time t=ii totime t=iii; FIG. 2C schematically illustrates exemplary electrical flowfrom time t=iii to time t=iv; and FIG. 2D schematically illustratesexemplary electrical flow from time t=iv to a subsequent time point,which can once again be characterized as time t=i.

FIG. 3 illustrates a line graph depicting the active electric fieldproduced by the electric current over time. This line graph can becharacterized as depicting sensor space b.

At time i, all electrodes record a zero (0) potential difference(voltage). As charge flows away from the electrode 31 in the component11, there is a steep negative voltage over time due to the dipole beingadjacent to and directly away from the electrode 31. For the electrode32 and the electrode 33, there is a shallow increase in voltage as thecharge moves towards them through the component 11. For the electrode34, the charge flow is directly towards the electrode 34, though furtheraway so the voltage deflection is relatively weak (though positive).

As the current flows through component 12, the voltage deflection atelectrode 31 is still negative though not as steep due to the distanceaway from the source. For the electrode 32 and the electrode 33, thedeflection is now negative and again relatively shallow as the dipolesare at an angle away from the electrodes. For the electrode 34, thepositive deflection becomes steeper as the electric field source movesdirectly towards and closer.

Once the current hits the apex of the structure at the edge of thecomponent 12, it starts flowing back through the component 13 and thecomponent 14. The current flowing through these components 13,14 is nowflowing back towards the electrode 31, though on an angular course sothe positive voltage is initially at less of an angle than the previousnegative voltage. At the electrode 32 and the electrode 33, the currentis flowing more directly towards them producing a steeper positivechange in electric field. For the electrode 34, the current is flowingaway and again in an angular manner so there is less negativedeflection. As current flow through the component 15 and the component16 towards their source there is an increasingly positive deflection atthe electrode 31, apart from at the end where it shallows off and istravelling at an angular vector. At the electrode 32 and the electrode33, the voltage deflection is negative and steeper than at the electrode34, where the current is further from and angular to the source.

For the purposes of illustration, this exemplary illustrated scenario istaken as normal electrical flow in a normal electrically activestructure and illustrated by six blocks in FIG. 4. This figure can becharacterized as depicting a visualization of the electrically activestructure 10 in a visualization space c.

By ascertaining such normal flow through the components of the structure(that may be an approximate representation of a heart), where theelectrodes are placed in relation to landmarks on the containingstructure (that may represent a human torso), a standard visualizationof this data can be produced from graphical images. The current can beshown to flow through the structure (e.g. the heart) and can be syncedin time with the various measurements at the electrodes as describedabove.

In one or more preferred implementations, if an individual has a largerelectrically active structure (e.g. a larger heart) than normal, thiscould be ascertained by utilizing a database containing data on normalelectrically active structures (e.g. normal hearts), and the largerstructure could be represented as larger in a visual depiction of theelectrically active structure in a containing structure. This could berepresented as a static or moving image.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary larger electrically active structure 110including components 111,112,113,114,115,116 lying in containingstructure 120. Exemplary electrical current flow through each of thecomponents 111,112,113,114,115,116 is illustrated in FIGS. 6A-D byarrows. Each of the figures schematically illustrates exemplaryelectrical flow from a first time point t1 to a next time point t2. FIG.6A schematically illustrates exemplary electrical flow from time t=i totime t=ii; FIG. 6B schematically illustrates exemplary electrical flowfrom time t=ii to time t=iii; FIG. 6C schematically illustratesexemplary electrical flow from time t=iii to time t=iv; and FIG. 6Dschematically illustrates exemplary electrical flow from time t=iv to asubsequent time point, which can once again be characterized as timet=i. FIG. 7 illustrates a line graph depicting the active electric fieldproduced by the electric current over time, and FIG. 8 depicts avisualization of the larger electrically active structure 110 in avisualization space c compared to a normal electrically active structure10.

The converse applies if the voltages were low and patterns were changedrepresenting a smaller electrically active structure. FIG. 9 illustratesan exemplary smaller electrically active structure 210 includingcomponents 211,212,213,214,215,216 lying in containing structure 220.Exemplary electrical current flow through each of the components211,212,213,214,215,216 is illustrated in FIGS. 10A-D by arrows. Each ofthe figures schematically illustrates exemplary electrical flow from afirst time point t1 to a next time point t2. FIG. 10A schematicallyillustrates exemplary electrical flow from time t=i to time t=ii; FIG.10B schematically illustrates exemplary electrical flow from time t=iito time t=iii; FIG. 10C schematically illustrates exemplary electricalflow from time t=iii to time t=iv; and FIG. 10D schematicallyillustrates exemplary electrical flow from time t=iv to a subsequenttime point, which can once again be characterized as time t=i. FIG. 11illustrates a line graph depicting the active electric field produced bythe electric current over time, and FIG. 12 depicts a visualization ofthe smaller electrically active structure 210 in a visualization space ccompared to a normal electrically active structure 10.

If the voltages are low or high in a particular region this can alsosuggest damage that is evident by electrical malfunction in that area.FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary damaged electrically active structure310 including components 311,312,313,314,315,316 lying in containingstructure 320. The component 312 and the component 314 are damaged, asillustrated by the shading in the figure. Exemplary electrical currentflow through each of the components 311,312,313,314,315,316 isillustrated in FIGS. 14A-D by arrows. Each of the figures schematicallyillustrates exemplary electrical flow from a first time point t1 to anext time point t2. FIG. 14A schematically illustrates exemplaryelectrical flow from time t=i to time t=ii; FIG. 14B schematicallyillustrates exemplary electrical flow from time t=ii to time t=iii; FIG.14C schematically illustrates exemplary electrical flow from time t=iiito time t=iv; and FIG. 14D schematically illustrates exemplaryelectrical flow from time t=iv to a subsequent time point, which canonce again be characterized as time t=i.

The damage, such as from a myocardial infarction, may interfere with thenormal electrical transit through the structure 310 and can bevisualized by mapping the voltage signals to a scalable graphicdepiction. FIG. 15 illustrates a line graph depicting the activeelectric field produced by the electric current over time, and FIG. 16depicts a visualization of the damaged electrically active structure 310in a visualization space c compared to a normal electrically activestructure 10. The damage is depicted in the figure via shading, althoughin alternative implementations such damage may be depicted in any numberof ways. In some preferred implementations, overall size is visualizedthrough the relative size of an electrically active structure within acontaining structure, whereas damage, that will tend to have more of afocal change, such as from a myocardial infarction, could be representedin many ways such as by size, color, pixels, or brightness.

A normal reading can also be ascertained for an individual over time anda visualization could change if the normal voltage patterns for thisindividual changed, for instance during or after certain activities. Anexemplary such use case involves monitoring and feedback during cardiacrehabilitation. If an individual exercised to the point where the heartwas under too much strain, this could be represented graphically andsuch graphical representation would provide an indication to decreasethe load to be in a healthier heart rate zone. FIG. 16 is an exemplarysuch depiction after mapping from physical space into sensor space intovisualization space.

Another property that can be identified and visualized is that of shapechange within a structure. FIG. 17 illustrates another exemplaryelectrically active structure 410 including components411,412,413,414,415,416 lying in containing structure 420. Exemplaryelectrical current flow through each of the components411,412,413,414,415,416 is illustrated in FIGS. 18A-D by arrows. Each ofthe figures schematically illustrates exemplary electrical flow from afirst time point t1 to a next time point t2. FIG. 18A schematicallyillustrates exemplary electrical flow from time t=i to time t=ii; FIG.18B schematically illustrates exemplary electrical flow from time t=iito time t=iii; FIG. 18C schematically illustrates exemplary electricalflow from time t=iii to time t=iv; and FIG. 18D schematicallyillustrates exemplary electrical flow from time t=iv to a subsequenttime point, which can once again be characterized as time t=i. FIG. 19illustrates a line graph depicting the active electric field produced bythe electric current over time, and FIG. 20 depicts a visualization ofthe smaller electrically active structure 410 in a visualization space ccompared to a normal electrically active structure 10.

The electrically active structure 410 includes an increased area (whichwould represent increased volume in a three dimensional structure) ofelectrically active substance (tissue) in the component 412 and thecomponent 414. This produces increased voltage deflection, especially insensor 32, and that change in sensor space is transposed invisualization space as illustrated in FIG. 20.

Although the illustrations thus far appear in two dimensions, one ormore preferred implementations are implemented, and considered moreuseful in general, for use with objects in three dimensional space thathave three dimensional electrical vectors running through them. FIGS.21A-B illustrate an exemplary such visualization of a three dimensionalobject.

The majority of examples disclosed hereinabove refer to six componentsof an electrically active structure. With increased number and densityof sensors comes higher resolution spatial information regarding thesize and direction of vectors within a structure. In preferredimplementations, this information is used to inform on the shape, sizeand electrical activity of a structure compared to a measured averageover a population, or of a structure itself over time.

Different structures produce different signals. These signals can bedecomposed from other signals through a variety of methodologies. Someexemplary such methodologies will now be described.

One or more of these exemplary methodologies relates to spatialproximity/amplitude. Electrical fields decrease in proportion to thesquare of the distance from the source. Therefore, the maximal electricsignal that any structure will produce will be directly adjacent to it.For sensors further away, the signal will be reduced. This can inform onthe position, shape and size of the object and through prior knowledgeinform on the structure that is producing the signal. For example, theheart is in the left chest so the cardiac signal will be greatest overthe left chest and will be detectable though significantly reduced inthe abdomen, decreasing in amplitude as sensors are placed further away.Another example is the brain that lies in the skull. Theelectroencephalogram that is produced by brain activity is greatest inthe head area and decreases further away. Therefore one method ofidentifying a signal is placing it over a known area and verifying theidentification through progressive decay with distance from the source.

One or more other of these exemplary methodologies relate to shape.Electrical current flowing through different structures producesdifferent shapes. The most well described electrical form is from theheart that produces an electrical signature (such as the classic lead IIcardiac electrical signature that is illustrated in FIG. 22) that can bedetected for the purpose of heart rate detection, beat-to-beatvariability, and diagnosis of abnormal patterns or disease. Differentsensors put on different regions around the heart referenced todifferent regions will produce a large variability in the electricalsignature and can be used to interrogate the cumulative electricaldipoles as described herein.

One or more other of these exemplary methodologies relates to frequency.Some structures, such as the brain, produce a voltage time trace that iscomposed of many different shapes and amplitude waveforms. This can beproblematic for signal deconvolution, and one method to isolatedifferent waveforms that may correspond to structures or shapes is toperform frequency analysis. The “state” of the brain or components ofthe brain for instance can be represented by the relative power ofdifferent frequencies of brain voltage/time relations. By applyingfrequency subtractions (bandwidth filters), the voltage/time signal canthen be deconvoluted, and the shape of the wave forms identified (asillustrated in FIG. 23, which represents a gamma wave measured over 1second).

For the brain, the wave forms fall into the following frequency siloswith associated classical functional conclusions:

-   -   Delta waves (0.5-4 Hz), identified with deep dreamless sleep or        transcendental meditation;    -   Theta waves (4-7.5 Hz), identified with deep meditation, light        sleep;    -   Alpha waves (7.5-12 Hz), identified with deep relaxation,        daydreaming, light meditation;    -   Beta waves (12-30 Hz), identified with normal waking, also        higher alertness, logic and critical reasoning. Higher beta        frequencies can indicate into stress or anxiety; and    -   Gamma waves (25-100 Hz, but usually ˜40 Hz), generally thought        to be identified with short bursts of insight, or with high        level information processing.

One or more other exemplary methodologies relate to use of known pathinformation. In structures such as the heart and muscles, there areknown normal paths for electrical signals that makes structuralreconstruction from an electrical signal relatively direct. Anydeviation from this path in a structure that has already been mappedprovides direct information on either the structure or the function ofthe tissue, e.g. as described herein. This is primarily due to thestructure of these tissues that limits the angular, and to an extentmagnitude, freedom of variation for individual and grouped electricaldipoles. In the brain, however, this situation is not so well defined asthere exist multiple dipoles. One method to ascertain the structural andfunctional integrity and subsequent visualization of the brain is to useexternal stimulation that follows a known path through the brain. Forinstance, the visual evoked potential follows a predictable path andtiming through the optic nerve, crossing at the optic chiasma andactivating the contralateral occipital cortex. Therefore, sensitiveelectric field sensors that were along this path would be able detectthe integrity of this path when synchronized with the visual stimulus.The same can be done for other sensory, cognitive and motor inputsincluding, but not limited to: muscle reflexes, motor instructions,auditory inputs, and tactile inputs. To further identify these inputs,they can be frequency tagged so the path of different frequencies andharmonics of these frequencies can be tracked through the brain,informing of the electrical, functional and structural integrity of thebrain. Repeated measuring of the response to a stimulus allows removalof random noise by averaging the results, and provides a much clearersignal than a single EEG reading.

One or more other exemplary methodologies relate to increasing spatialfidelity. By increasing the number of sensors in a sensor array, betterspatial resolution can be achieved. With particular reference toelectric field sensors, the spatial resolution is enhanced overconventional resistive contact electrodes as the sensors do not draw anysignificant current from the source leading to more effective mappingreconstruction for visualization as they do not interfere with thesource or other sensors around them. Unlike resistive contact sensors,electric field sensors are also resistant to sweat and shorting betweenelectrodes. These qualities allow for higher density arrays and can beutilized, for example, with methodologies described herein so as toeffect visualization of the electrical signals moving through objects.

One or more other exemplary methodologies relate to using otherinterrogation modalities to inform, target, calibrate, and validate theelectric field visualization in populations or individuals.

Further, in one or more preferred implementations, other scanningmodalities such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) orspectroscopy are utilized to identify electrical firing patterns.

For example, in an exemplary use case related to brain interrogation,there may be an increase in electrical activity, however, the dipolesmay not be at the appropriate vector position for direct over structurepick-up. Therefore, sensor position may need to be changed to pick upthe increased activity based on other imaging methods.

In another exemplary use case, sensor findings may be verified or tunedby either ultrasound or X-ray when visualizing the structure of anelectrically active object such as one or more muscles or the heart.This type of validation could also be used for other structures, suchas, for example, the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, or blood vessels.

In one or more preferred implementations, accelerometers incorporatedwithin or close to the sensors could detect movement that may relate toeither artifact of muscle movement, thereby validating anyelectromyogram (EMG) activity detected.

In one or more preferred implementations, systems and methods for brainvisualization are provided. Brain waves are fairly uniformly periodic,and can be classified by identifying the characteristic frequency.Fourier analysis lends itself readily to the analysis and separation ofthese different waves. As the different frequencies of brain wavescorrespond to different states of consciousness, in one or morepreferred implementations, brain waves are visualized by assigning adifferent color to each type of wave. For example, in an exemplaryimplementation waves associated with stress and anxiety are displayed inred, alert states in yellow, deep relaxation in blue, etc. In apreferred implementation, a figure of a body is generated with an “aura”of the colors associated with each brain wave drawn around it. Thethickness of each color in the aura is in proportion to the amplitude ofeach type of wave in the spectrum, and thus the aura of a very stressedand anxious person would appear mainly red for example, and that of aperson deeply asleep would be mainly blue. The set of brain wavesdetected can be represented as a set of simple sinusoidal waves withappropriate periods.

In one or more preferred implementations, systems and methods forvisualization for structures other than the heart, brain and muscles areutilized. For example, such visualization may comprise visualization ofthe lungs. The main electrical signature the lungs will create isthrough changing impedance and displacement of electrically activetissue and the active movement of the diaphragm muscle. The electricalsignal produced by blood vessels will be through the electromagneticcharge associated with flow of low impedance and ferrous fluid throughrelatively high impedance walls and surrounding tissues. The signaturefrom the gastrointestinal tract will be a mixture of high impedanceareas due to gas build-up, electrical activity from smooth muscles, andgeneral movement of the intestines displacing electric fields.

A non-resistive contact electrical potential sensor may be used incombination with other non-perturbative or perturbative sensors. In someimplementations, information from such sensors is assembled andincorporated into a visualization model for data representation. Anycombination or permutation of sensor types can be used to obtain anoptimal visualization.

Exemplary such non-perturbative sensors and sensing methodologiesinclude: Passive Sonar; Magnetometers; Cameras—whole spectrum from IR toUV; and Thermometers and Hydrometers. Exemplary such active andperturbative sensors and sensing methodologies include: Active Sonar;X-ray and computerized tomography (CT); Radar; Impedance tomography;Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); Resistive contact electrometers;Nuclear medicine scanners; Spectroscopy; Angiography and fluoroscopy.Each of these exemplary sensors and sensing methodologies will now bedescribed in more detail.

In one or more preferred implementations, a sonar sensor or sensors isutilized for interrogation of the physical structure, shape, and form ofan entity or entities by either passive or active methods. They may beused to locate and determine the characteristics of a structure and itsreference point(s) relationship(s) to electric field sensor(s)placement. This can be used for more accurate placement and/or moreaccurate identification of the electric field signal source(s) and henceuseful data that will lead to more accurate metrics and may act as anaid to spatial reconstruction.

The signal transduction for a sonar device or devices can occur ateither the surface or internal layer of the entity or at a distance fromthe entity.

Sonar sensors can inform on physical shape and distance plus theelectric field sensor informs on electric or magnetic characteristicsand distance. By combining the sensors synergistic and cross-validatinginformation is obtained adding a new level of functionality. Preferably,thereby, more effective structural and functional imaging reconstructionis achieved.

Active sonar modalities such as ultrasound have effectively been used toelucidate the structure and functional characteristics of entities.Ultrasound modes such as Doppler allow a practitioner to assess blood orfluid flow within an entity. In some preferred implementations, thisdata, in combination with other data sets such as that gained fromnon-resistive contact electrometers, is overlaid and visualized toprovide further useful information about the state of an entity orentities.

Additional disclosure of sensors, systems, and methodologies that may beutilized in one or more implementations is included in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/527,862, which is hereby incorporated herein byreference.

In one or more preferred implementations, one or more magnetometers,such as, for example, atomic magnetometers, Hall magnetometers,Spin-Exchange Relaxation-Free (SERF) magnetometers, and SuperconductingQuantum Interference Device (SQUID) magnetometers, are utilized.

The data from magnetometers is preferably utilized to effectively gainuseful physiological data. In some preferred implementations, thecombination of this data with the data from electric field sensors isintegrated to provide a visualization of such data.

Cameras capture visual data so are well placed for visualrepresentation. In some preferred implementations, the combination ofthis data with other sensor data including that obtained fromnon-resistive contact electrometers provides additional useful data.

Thermometers can be used to track the temperature inside and on thesurface of an entity or entities. In one or more preferredimplementations, this data is overlaid with other data and visualized toprovide further useful information about the state of the entity orentities.

Hydrometers can be used to track the water content within or on thesurface of an entity or entities. In one or more preferredimplementations, this data is overlaid with other data and visualized toprovide further useful information about the state of an entity orentities.

X-rays and computerized tomography are effective processes to visualizeanatomical data. In one or more preferred implementations, combinationof one or both of these processes and their subsequent acquired datawith non-resistive contact electrometers in an integrated visualizationprovides additional and synergistic structural and functionalinformation.

Impedance tomography can be used for mapping of entities. In one or morepreferred implementations, impedance tomography data, utilizingnon-resistive contact or resistive contact electrometers, is overlaidand visualized with or without other datasets to provide further usefulinformation about the state of the entity or entities.

Radar, such as ultra wide band radar has been successfully used tointerrogate the internal structure and functioning of entities such asthe heart. Combining radar signature with electric field data willfurther inform on the structure and function of an entity such as theheart.

Non-resistive contact electrometers have been successful in picking upmagnetic resonance signals, as have magnetometers. MRI scanning is wellestablished as a method to acquire and visualize structural andanatomical data. In one or more preferred implementations, this data, incombination with other data sets such as that gained from non-resistivecontact electrometers, is overlaid and visualized to provide furtheruseful information about the state of an entity or entities.

Resistive contact electrometers can be used to gain a level ofunderstanding about the electrical state of an entity. For example,combinations of chest leads in a traditional EKG exhibitingcharacteristic signatures can assist in the diagnoses of infarction, oraltered electrical flow, in a general region of the heart. Though theaccuracy of such diagnoses may be flawed due to the draw of current,this data may also have use in combination with non-resistive contactelectrometers. In one or more preferred implementations, this combineddata is overlaid and visualized to provide further useful informationabout the state of an entity or entities.

The utilization of radioisotopes to provide useful information about anentity is well established and nuclear medicine scanners are used inwide practice in hospital facilities. In one or more preferredimplementations, a combination of the data obtained from nuclearmedicine scanning, with other data sets such as that gained fromnon-resistive contact electrometers, is overlaid and visualized toprovide further useful information about the state of an entity orentities.

Spectroscopy is widely used in medicine for the elucidation of functionssuch as blood flow. Near infra-red spectroscopy is, for example, used toassess the intra-cerebral blood and combining this with electric fielddata from the heart and brain would further inform on the structure andfunction of the brain and its vascular supply.

Angiography and fluoroscopy through injection of contrast agentsprovides useful information about the structure of vessels and otherlumens with an entity. In one or more preferred implementations, acombination of the data obtained from angiography and fluoroscopy, withother data sets such as that gained from non-resistive contactelectrometers, is overlaid and visualized to provide further usefulinformation about the state of an entity or entities.

Using systems and methods described herein (and in the incorporatedreference), different structures can be visualized based on, forexample, sensor proximity, signal shape, frequency, amplitude, andrelation to other imaging/detection modalities. With multiple sensors,different systems can be visualized in a manner that visualizes therelation amongst them. To add further value, imaging from othermodalities such as x-ray, MRI, CT, conductive electrodes, spectroscopy,ultra-wide band radar can be overlaid to provide a broad overview of thefunctioning of the body at the current time, which can be compared withhistorical recordings for monitoring purposes. Visualizationmethodologies described herein are believed to provide the tools toidentify how different signals combine to inform the overallhealth/state of a person.

As an electrically active component such as skeletal or cardiac musclemoves, the electrical vectors within it will also move in space.Therefore, the movement can be tracked by analyzing the change inelectric field as it runs through the anatomical structure of thecomponent. This can then be visualized as both an electrical andmechanical output. The analyses and visualization can be further refinedby taking into account background knowledge of the physiologicalrelationships of electrical and mechanical activity in structures. Anexample of this is the electrical activity flowing through the heartpreceding the mechanical contraction of the cardiac chambers. Usingmethodologies discussed herein, a dynamic visualisation of the body canbe produced showing a heart beating in time with a subject's pulse. Thevarious chambers of the heart may be more or less brightly lit dependingon the measurement of the electrical axis. Concurrently, the activity ofthe brain at the time could be represented visually by shading, colouror other representative graphics. Other parts of the body could besimilarly depicted and visualized concurrently as well.

In systems and methods in accordance with some preferredimplementations, the sensors and sensor types are not necessarilytethered spatially or temporally. For example, an ultrasound probe maybe used to identify a structure for the best placement of electric fieldsensors. The placement area is marked and the ultrasound probe iswithdrawn. The sensors are then placed on the placement area and data iscollected. In this use case the sonar and electric field sensor are nottethered in time or space.

For invasive procedures or implants, a sensor can be enveloped in abiocompatible sleeve that allows for reuse of the sensor (e.g., a singlesensor can be used multiple times). Use of the sleeve allows acompletely biocompatible shield to be placed around the sensor. Thesleeve can be disposed ensuring sterility of procedures.

Preferably, methodologies described herein (such as, for example, use ofa sleeve representing a completely biocompatible shield) allow formeasuring with minimal interference with a signal being measured. Thatis, preferably, such methodologies (and the accompanying technologyutilized therefore) are non-perturbative. This preferably provides anadvantage in that sensors do not interfere with a target signal allowingmore effective structural and functional signal reconstruction.

In one or more preferred implementations, sensors are used in a mobilescanning mode and/or separate sensors are arranged in arrays, astructural and/or functional construct of underlying structures can bemade. By using sensors in a mobile scanning mode or arranging theseparate sensors in arrays, a structural and/or functional construct ofunderlying structures can be made. Further, by linking three-dimensionalimages over time a four-dimensional image can be created (in accordancewith one or more preferred implementations), with the time continuumrepresenting the fourth dimension.

In accordance with preferred implementations, sensors can be tuned andselectively guarded to pick up a variety of physiological signals acrossthe electric and magnetic spectrum. This tuning can be done either withsensor hardware, or digitally after an analog signal has been convertedto digital. In some preferred implementations, for this purpose, asystem can detect many electric and magnetic field signals, includingnervous, muscle and other electrical conduction, fluid flow, andstructural determination above and beyond, and without the limitationsof, and in combination with, other state-of-art imaging technologies.

In accordance with preferred implementations, a variety of visualizationmethods may be used including but not limited to the use of fixed orvariable shapes, colors, two-dimension displays, three-dimensiondisplays, sound, texture, heat, and holograms. Such visualizations maybe represented statically or as change over time as in videorepresentations.

FIG. 21 is an exemplary graphical representation of a three-dimensionelectric field reconstruction over time (fourth dimension). In thiscase, a sensor array is placed over a region of the body. Signals arecollected at three time points [T(o), T(i), T(ii)]. The nine signals areprocessed through a three-dimensional matrix transfer function to createan image reconstruction of an electric field at the three different timepoints, as illustrated in FIG. 21.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a sensing apparatus foruse with an entity includes a housing and a sonar transducer within thehousing and is adapted to detect a signal generated by an entity.Preferably, the sensor includes at least one sensor adapted to detect anelectric field or fields associated with the geoelectric displacementsignature or structures of the entity.

Heart sounds can be correlated with electrical activity of myocardiumwhich can be assessed through clothing, wound dressings and so forth. Insome preferred implementations, an electric field detector is used whereelectric potentials can be measured through clothing and/or wounddressings and/or fur and/or any other impediment to resistive contactand usefully combined with acoustic or ultrasound signals to providevaluable information about the status of an individual, animal or anon-biological entity.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a sonar sensor isused to identify and characterize a target structure and any otherstructures that may interfere with the electric or magnetic field. Theelectric field sensor is used to characterize the electric or magneticfield properties of the target and other structures. The sensors may bephysically coupled or separate.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a sonar system couldbe used to assess respiratory and heart sounds while the electric fieldsensors detected the electrical signature associated with breathing andthe heart. This could be visualized to inform on a subject'scardiorespiratory status. The use cases for this range from monitoringhuman performance through to monitoring and detection of disease states.

The combined sensors can be used for visualization and location of anerve for accurate acquisition of electric potential signature. In apreferred implementation, an ultrasonic, MRI, x-ray or other imagingdevice images the nerve, using known and established principles ofmedical practice, determining the best anatomic location fornon-resistive contact electric field sensor placement. This determinesthe distance from the target and also the characteristics of tissueoverlying the target. The breadth of adipose tissue, that has higherelectrical impedance, is determined. In preferred implementations, foroptimal placement, sensors are placed in an area where the nerve isclosest to the surface and, ideally, each electric field sensor.Furthermore, sensor placement ideally occurs at a place where theadipose tissue is minimal and close to the same thickness at differentsensor locations. This information helps aids in interpretation of theelectric field signal and also the placement of the electric fieldsensors. The electric field signal output is a voltammetric signaturerecorded as the difference between the recording and the referenceelectrode(s) where the reference electrodes would generally beorthogonal to both recording electrodes. Using this approach, the nerveconduction velocity would be best obtained. In some preferredimplementations, a target voltammetric signature is determined bysubtracting known noise and by restricting bandwidth to knownfrequencies of the signal of interest. In some implementations, anothersensor type can be utilized during this phase for the detection ofmuscle movement aiding the subtraction of the muscle noise component ofthe signal.

In some preferred implementations, studies comparing normal individualsto those with known nerve conduction problems are performed and/orutilized so patterns of nerve damage using this new technique can berecognized. This approach is believed to be advantageous for thediagnosis of nerve damage or compromise by comparison to normal neuralsignal activity in control populations. Currently, nerve damage istypically diagnosed with invasive fine needle nerve conduction studies.Some preferred implementations allow for non-perturbative diagnosissaving considerable time, money and preventing negative side effectsassociated with invasive studies.

Another advantage would be for compartment pressure testing where nervesmay be compromised through high internal compartment pressures. In apreferred implementation, diagnosis of this is effected by comparing anormal population with individuals with the known condition. Preferably,pattern analysis and comparison of the data results in patternidentification leading to pattern recognition software developedespecially for this purpose. Currently, diagnosis of high compartmentpressures involves invasive procedures where a catheter is inserted intothe compartment and the pressure is read through a pressure transducer.In some preferred implementations, systems and methods in accordancewith the description herein are utilized in lieu of conventionaltechnology as a diagnostic device.

Such systems and methods, especially in implementations utilizingimplantation, could also be used to record neural output to control aprosthetic or other device as when a nerve has been severed or there isthe desire to control a distant machine for any reason. The technologycould also be used for recording the neural output from the autonomicnervous system for diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of a variety ofconditions including emotional stress, depression, post traumatic stressdisorder, epilepsy. For biofeedback, this technology could be used tooptimize performance through feedback control of autonomic outputs.

Another embodiment is for the structural and functional visualization ofmuscle using the electric field and sonar sensors—cardiac, skeletal orsmooth muscle may be visualized and correlation with movement andelectrical and magnetic activity can be made. This is useful forinvestigating correlations between structural and neural muscle damage.It is entirely non-invasive and provides information that may helpdiagnose and monitor a variety of conditions including infarction of thebowel, myocardial infarction, muscle trauma, muscular dystrophies andneurodegenerative conditions. As described hereinabove, this may also beable to be used for diagnosis of compartment syndrome. With highcompartmental pressure, muscles become starved of oxygen and that willchange the electrical signature. Therefore the change in electricsignature may be used to diagnose the characteristic decrease inperfusion of muscles that occurs with compartment syndrome, replacingthe need for invasive compartment pressure testing.

One or more preferred implementations are preferably used to image fluidflowing through a vessel, such as for biological purposes, though itcould also be used for non-biological purposes, such as foridentification of underground fluid reserves or for rivers. Sonar,X-ray, radar, computerized tomography, magnetometers, and MRI modalitiescan be used to pick up characteristics of fluids and vessel walls.Non-resistive contact electric field sensing can also be used as fluids,especially when flowing through a material that differs in impedance tothe fluid, generate an electromagnetic signature. A electric fieldsensor may be used to pick this up. This has use for diagnosing andmonitoring blood flow, and may be useful for triaging of casualties, ormonitoring vessel blockage and/or compromise. This may replace currenttechnologies, many of which are invasive or impractical for otherreasons, such as, for example, a need for expert operation, beingimmobile, or expense.

In one or more preferred implementations, a more complex methodologycombines structural, electrical and fluid dynamic information for morecomplete imaging. Such signature acquisition of the various structurescan be accomplished in accordance with description herein. Put together,a preferred implementation may inform on the electrical activity of anorgan, the structural integrity and movement of muscle, and the outflowfrom the organ itself. Such combined technology preferably provides ahigh level of clinical information and may inform on diagnosis, effectof treatment, and progression of disease. This same application can bemade to a variety of organs within the body including but not limited tothe: heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, bladder, skin, spleen, pancreas andbowel.

Non-resistive contact electric field sensors may also inform on thestructure and function of the central spinal cord and of the brain.

In accordance with another preferred implementation, a sensor assemblyfor use with an entity may include a series of sensors, being acombination of at least one sonar sensor with electric field sensors forthe monitoring of an entity or entities.

In one or more preferred implementations, a sensor system is used formonitoring of people or other entities in a room. People may beidentified and tracked from their visual, sonar, magnetic or electricfield signature. In the case of their sonar signature it may be activelydetermined from their shape or passively determined by characteristicfeatures including voice, breathing and gait recognition. Their electricfield signature may be identified through geoelectric displacementinformation including reconstruction of shape and movement orcharacteristic electric field information such as the pattern andamplitude of their cardiac or respiratory characteristics. Thistechnology could be used with a variety of other sensors or sensorsystems informing other identifications such as use with visualrecognition systems. This is useful as an electric field sensor cansense remotely so could be used to track people through walls orunderground. It could also be used to identify machinery and track it.This would be especially useful for equipment that has a strongelectromagnetic presence including communications equipment.

In accordance with some preferred implementations, one or more electricfield sensors are combined with active technologies includingtomographic techniques where an electric field is passed through anentity and the output at the other end is characterized by the electricfield sensor or sensors.

In accordance with some preferred implementations, a sonar component isused to detect sounds emitted from an organism such as breathing ortalking. Such use may be either alone or in combination withnon-resistive contact electric field sensors or other sensortechnologies for the diagnosis or monitoring of medical conditionsincluding sleep apnea, heart failure, pneumonia, or hemothorax. Thediagnosis of heart failure, for example, may be aided by an alteredresonant frequency in the bases of the lungs as vocal and/or breathsounds move through fluid, in combination with a change in the electricpotential signature from the myocardium.

In one or more preferred implementations, technology and methodologiesdescribed herein are incorporated into a mobile phone or similar device.

In accordance with one or more preferred implementations, sensors arecombined with a magnetometer or magnetometers to provide additionalinformation about an entity. A combination electric field sensor andmagnetometer would be useful as such an implementation would provideinformation about power usage of certain structures as power is afunction of voltage, as measured by an electric field sensor, andcurrent, as measured by a magnetometer. In this case, a sonar sensor orsensors could be further used to provide information about the structureof the device or related objects and relate it to effects on powerusage.

With respect to at least some implementations, there may be no need forcombination sensor components, once developed.

One or more preferred implementations are preferably usable for realtime and post-processing: peripheral and central nervous systemassessment and/or mapping/imaging; skeletal, smooth and cardiac muscleelectrical and functional assessment and/or mapping/imaging; bodilyfluid and solid structure assessment and/or mapping/imaging; structurefunctionality measurement; and structural composition assessment.

One or more preferred implementations preferably provide the followingfunctionality:

Measurement of important functional physiological data; potential forhigh resolution structural image sequences; potential for highresolution functional image sequences; a relatively cheap technologycompared with current imaging techniques; relatively easy tailoring tomeet specific needs; potential for high portability; use with mobilephone technologies; use for assessment of cognitive status; lack of needfor extensive shielding; lack of need for special operating conditions;a passive sensing technology that does not interfere with underlyingphysiological signals allowing for more accurate reconstructive imaging;enhanced recording of deep electrical activity; structural, andelectrical signal change signals over time, and the correlations betweenthese signals; obviation of need for electrical contact; obviation ofneed for skin preparation or conducting pads; ability to read signalthrough wound dressings and/or clothing; ability to be readily moved toget optimal signal; ability to miniaturized; very low powerrequirements; use when the skin integrity is compromised; sensorfunctionality for sterile procedures; remote monitoring; electricalsafety; decreased potential preparation time; synergistic sourceinformation; obviation of need for data to be collected at the surfaceof an entity; avoidance of invasive procedures; reusability; use of acombination of sensors to enhance the ability to identify, locate andtrack entities; ability to gain synergistic information about an entity;increase of information for diagnoses; increase of information to allowbiological, structural, and functional imaging.

An exemplary use case involves early assessment of cardiac muscle deathpost Myocardial Infarction (MI). Traditional EKG diagnosis gives a roughindication of infarct size, progression and treatment efficacy post MI.This is, however, limited by both the active nature of data acquisition,that is, current is drawn from the source, and also traditionalplacement of leads. One approach is to treat the thorax as a series ofdifferent sized cylinders and account for underlying structures such asthe lungs and adipose tissue. By doing this a three dimensionalrepresentation of electrically active myocardium can be assimilated.Variation in electrical activity in different regions can be mapped toallow assessment of cardiac muscle death, stress and health. Utilizationof this information may allow more efficient targeting of resources andmore accurate assessment of treatment efficacy.

Another exemplary use case relates to direct measurement of AutonomicNervous System (ANS) function. The ANS is the neural controller of allunconscious bodily functions. Measurement of autonomic function hasparticular clinical interest as it may give an indication of: short andlong term prognosis in a variety of disease states; mental and physicalstress states; likelihood of having an epileptic seizure in theshort-term; risk of sudden cardiac death; over-training; and capacityfor physical or mental performance.

The current state of the art measurements of ANS function involvemeasurement and interpretation of the secondary effects of the autonomicnervous system (for example: sweat response, heart rate variability,drug challenge) or direct invasive microneurography (insertion of needleelectrodes into the peroneal nerve to measure sympathetic outflow).

By placing arrays of passive electric field sensors over autonomicnerves and subtracting background noise, by using analog and digitalextraction techniques, such as bandwidth limitation algorithms, producedfrom sources such as skeletal and cardiac muscle activity, a relativelypure neural signal can be obtained. The signal can then be constructedin three dimensions and mapped to known neural pathways to differentiatethe signal from other nerve types such as those controlling skeletalmuscle activity. Using this method, autonomic function can be directlymeasured providing clinically useful information with applications asoutlined herein.

Another exemplary use case relates to non-invasive nerve conductionstudies. To determine neural function, the current state of the art isto insert needle electrodes directly into nerves for measurement ofcurrent. This invasive procedure has limitations in that: it requiresspecialist premises and personnel; it is inconvenient and uncomfortable;insertion of needles almost certainly interferes with the neural signal;and, to locate a lesion, multiple measurements along the length of anerve are needed.

By using passive electric field sensor arrays, and three dimensionalreconstruction techniques, as discussed herein, neural activity can beassessed non-invasively and simultaneously along the entire length ofthe neural structure allowing both assessment of function and locationof any potential lesion.

Another exemplary use case relates to measurement of cardiac output andvascular function. Assessment of cardiac output is a mainstay ofemergency and critical care medicine. There are a variety of basic andadvanced clinical techniques available ranging from: simple palpation ofa pulse, to the sphygmomanometer, to echocardiograms, to dynamicmagnetic resonance imaging, to invasive dilutional cardiaccatheterization.

Any flowing fluid creates a relative electromagnetic field in relationto its surroundings. Quantification of this electromagnetic fieldutilizing arrays of electric field sensors and reconstruction of the rawdata into four dimensions allows assessment of cardiac output. On a moreregional level this technique can be applied to specific blood vesselssuch as the femoral artery for the accurate diagnosis and location ofperipheral vascular disease.

Another exemplary use case relates to whole body imaging. By usingarrays of passive electric field sensors, the whole body can be imaged.Variations in sensor sub-type and three-dimensional reconstructioncombining electric and magnetic signatures of nerves, muscles, fluid andother organs can result in a comprehensive four-dimensional image ofstructure and function.

Based on the foregoing description, it will be readily understood bythose persons skilled in the art that the present invention issusceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments andadaptations of the present invention other than those specificallydescribed herein, as well as many variations, modifications, andequivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggestedby the present invention and the foregoing descriptions thereof, withoutdeparting from the substance or scope of the present invention.Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein indetail in relation to one or more preferred embodiments, it is to beunderstood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary ofthe present invention and is made merely for the purpose of providing afull and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosureis not intended to be construed to limit the present invention orotherwise exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations,modifications or equivalent arrangements, the present invention beinglimited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: (a) positioning a pluralityof non-resistive contact electric field sensors at an entity, each ofthe plurality of non-resistive contact electric field sensors beingpositioned proximate a different particular generally predeterminedlocation; (b) repeatedly measuring, utilizing the plurality ofnon-resistive contact electric field sensors, an electrical potentialassociated with two or more sections of a structure of the entity; and(c) generating, utilizing data obtained from the repeated measuring, avisualization of the structure of the entity, the visualizationincluding a depiction of each of the two or more sections of thestructure, together with a visualization of a typical structuregenerated based on data associated with typical measurements of thestructure for other entities.
 2. A method comprising: (a) positioning aplurality of non-resistive contact electric field sensors at an entity,each of the plurality of non-resistive contact electric field sensorsbeing positioned proximate a different particular generallypredetermined location; (b) continually measuring, utilizing theplurality of non-resistive contact electric field sensors, an electricalpotential associated with two or more sections of a structure of theentity; (c) accessing data related to past measurements, utilizingnon-resistive contact electric field sensors, of the structure of theentity; and (d) generating, utilizing data obtained from the continualmeasuring, a visualization of the structure of the entity, thevisualization including a depiction of each of the two or more sectionsof the structure, together with a visualization of a typical conditionof the structure generated based on the accessed data related to pastmeasurements of the structure of the entity.
 3. A method comprising: (a)positioning a plurality of non-resistive contact electric field sensorsat a first entity, each of the plurality of non-resistive contactelectric field sensors being positioned proximate a different particularlocation; (b) repeatedly measuring, utilizing the plurality ofnon-resistive contact electric field sensors, an electrical potentialassociated with two or more sections of an electrically active structureof the first entity; (c) accessing, from a database, data correspondingto measurements of an electrically active structure, which is of thesame type as the electrically active structure of the first entity, fora plurality of other entities, the measurements having been takenutilizing non-resistive contact electric field sensors; (d)electronically determining, by comparing data obtained from the repeatedmeasuring to the accessed data, a property of the electrically activestructure of the first entity; and (e) generating, utilizing dataobtained from the repeated measuring, a visualization of theelectrically active structure of the first entity, the visualizationincluding a depiction of each of the two or more sections of theelectrically active structure, together with a visualization of a“normal” electrically active structure generated based on the accesseddata corresponding to measurements of electrically active structures fora plurality of other entities.
 4. The method of claim 3, whereinelectronically determining, by comparing data obtained from the repeatedmeasuring to the accessed data, a property of the structure of the firstentity comprises electronically determining, by comparing data obtainedfrom the repeated measuring to the accessed data, an atypical propertyof the structure of the first entity.
 5. The method of claim 4, whereinelectronically determining, by comparing data obtained from the repeatedmeasuring to the accessed data, an atypical property of the structure ofthe first entity comprises electronically determining that the structureof the first entity is smaller than a “normal” structure.
 6. The methodof claim 4, wherein electronically determining, by comparing dataobtained from the repeated measuring to the accessed data, an atypicalproperty of the structure of the first entity comprises electronicallydetermining that the structure of the first entity is larger than a“normal” structure.
 7. The method of claim 4, wherein electronicallydetermining, by comparing data obtained from the repeated measuring tothe accessed data, an atypical property of the structure of the firstentity comprises electronically determining that the structure of thefirst entity is damaged.
 8. The method of claim 4, whereinelectronically determining, by comparing data obtained from the repeatedmeasuring to the accessed data, an atypical property of the structure ofthe first entity comprises electronically determining that one or moreof the two or more sections of the structure of the first entity isdamaged.
 9. The method of claim 3, wherein electronically determining,by comparing data obtained from the repeated measuring to the accesseddata, a property of the structure of the first entity compriseselectronically determining that voltage measurements of the structure ofthe first entity are lower than typical voltage measurements from theaccessed data.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the determination thatvoltage measurements of the structure of the first entity are lower thantypical voltage measurements from the accessed data is utilized toascertain that the electrically active structure of the first entity issmaller than a “normal” electrically active structure.
 11. The method ofclaim 3, wherein electronically determining, by comparing data obtainedfrom the repeated measuring to the accessed data, a property of thestructure of the first entity comprises electronically determining thatvoltage measurements of the structure of the first entity are higherthan typical voltage measurements from the accessed data.
 12. The methodof claim 11, wherein the determination that voltage measurements of thestructure of the first entity are higher than typical voltagemeasurements from the accessed data is utilized to ascertain that theelectrically active structure of the first entity is larger than a“normal” electrically active structure.
 13. The method of claim 3,wherein electronically determining, by comparing data obtained from therepeated measuring to the accessed data, a property of the structure ofthe first entity comprises electronically determining, by comparing dataobtained from the repeated measuring to the accessed data, that theelectrically active structure of the first entity has an atypical shape.14. The method of claim 3, wherein electronically determining, bycomparing data obtained from the repeated measuring to the accesseddata, a property of the structure of the first entity compriseselectronically determining, by comparing data obtained from the repeatedmeasuring to the accessed data, that one or more or of the two or moresections of the electrically active structure of the first entity has anatypical shape.
 15. The method of claim 3, wherein electronicallydetermining, by comparing data obtained from the repeated measuring tothe accessed data, a property of the structure of the first entitycomprises electronically determining, by comparing data obtained fromthe repeated measuring to the accessed data, that the electricallyactive structure of the first entity, as compared to a “normal”electrically active structure, has a greater area of electrically activesubstance in one or more of the two or more sections of the electricallyactive structure of the first entity.
 16. The method of claim 3, whereinelectronically determining, by comparing data obtained from the repeatedmeasuring to the accessed data, a property of the structure of the firstentity comprises electronically determining, by comparing data obtainedfrom the repeated measuring to the accessed data, that the electricallyactive structure of the first entity, as compared to a “normal”electrically active structure, has a greater volume of electricallyactive substance in one or more of the two or more sections of theelectrically active structure of the first entity.
 17. The method ofclaim 16, wherein the electrically active substance comprises tissue.18. The method of claim 3, wherein repeatedly measuring, utilizing theplurality of non-resistive contact electric field sensors, an electricalpotential associated with two or more sections of an electrically activestructure of the first entity comprises determining three dimensionalelectrical vectors associated therewith.